Connor McDavid and Kris Knoblauch had a few thoughts about matchups against the Dallas Stars.
Connor McDavid and Kris Knoblauch had a few thoughts about matchups against the Dallas Stars.
EDMONTON -- Game three is on the docket for tonight.
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The Edmonton Oilers can finally play a game in this series in front of a home crowd tonight. Having split their first two contests against the Dallas Stars while on the road, a tremendous opportunity presents itself to the Oilers.
With the power of the fans at Rogers Place behind them - the ice could swing heavily in the Oilers favor tonight. For them, the key will be to make life as difficult as possible for Jake Oettinger while also playing the same game that has earned them the split so far.
Tonight, Adam Henrique is coming back into the lineup - although it is not known yet if he will step right into Ryan McLeod's place in the lineup or elsewhere. From the way he was speaking this morning, it sounds like it will be a straight swap.
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As far as matchups are concerned, Knoblauch had a few thoughts in that regard. Knoblauch said this morning, "it's important for our guys to have that flow. To have the four lines contributing."
This isn't the first time that Knoblauch has expressed a desire to focus more on how his team is playing rather than what the other team is doing.
Connor McDavid also spoke with the media this morning. He shared his thoughts when commenting on a similar question, "[when] it's a team like Dallas, what matchup are you really looking for?"
"They've got four lines that can play, six D-men that can play - what matchup are you really looking for? I think icings every now and then we get an extra shift offensively. I don't think we're matchup chasing."
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This is a massive compliment to the Stars in two regards - how they are built and how they play. Everyone seems to be talking about the depth of the team, and rightfully so. They are at this stage of the playoffs for a reason.
But so are the Oilers.
McDavid is respecting his opponent while also being aware of his own team's skills and abilities. Regardless on whether or not the Oilers are actually attempting to get an ideal matchup, it will be interesting to see what happens on the ice tonight for Game three.
Let me know what your thoughts are on the Oilers inserting Henrique back into the lineup, and if there is a certain matchup you are looking for tonight.
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